Pilot Alcohol Rules Tightened

April 7, 1986|United Press International

WASHINGTON — The federal government has tightened its rules on the use of alcohol by pilots, flight engineers and cabin attendants by requiring them to undergo blood tests if they are suspected of being impaired by liquor while flying.

The new Federal Aviation Administration rules go into effect Wednesday, supplementing the eight-hour ``bottle to throttle`` regulation that prohibits drinking by crew members eight hours before a flight.

Crew members would be considered under the influence of alcohol if they have a blood-alcohol level of 0.04 percent or higher, a standard tougher than those used by states for motorists.

Under the new rules proposed last year, they would not have to submit to a random blood test before flights but would be required to undergo a test when requested by local law enforcement officers.

The tests could be ordered if there is reason to suspect the crew member may have used alcohol.

``Refusal could result in the lifting of a certificate to fly,`` FAA spokesman Fred Farrar said.

The FAA action came following recommendations by the National Transportation Safety Board, an independent federal investigative panel, that called for the lowest possible blood alcohol level at which crew members would be considered impaired.

The FAA will require the crew members to give the agency the results of the blood tests, and failure to furnish them or authorize their release also could result in the lifting of their certification.

Between 40 and 50 accidents are linked to alcohol each year in private flying, mostly involving smaller planes.

However, alcohol has not been involved in any recent accident by major airlines, and the Air Line Pilots Association says alcohol abuse is not a problem for the carriers.

``Obviously, we support an alcohol-free cockpit,`` an ALPA spokesman said.